Ministry of Health Statement on Low Vaccine Stock Levels in Kenya

The Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans. In this regard, we acknowledge the challenges currently facing vaccine stock levels and immunization efforts across the country.

Current Vaccine Stock Levels

Vaccine stock levels of concern are as follows:

• BCG (Tuberculosis Vaccine): 2 weeks' stock remaining
• Polio Vaccine: 2 weeks' stock remaining
• Rota Virus Vaccine: 1 month's stock remaining

Notably, 12 out of 47 counties have run out of vaccine stocks.

The Ministry is actively redistributing available vaccine stocks in collaboration with County Governments to ensure equitable access to all Kenyans in all regions. We appreciate the ongoing cooperation of County Governments and healthcare facilities in managing this situation.

Reasons for the Current Situation

The low vaccine stock levels have resulted from a combination of factors and mainly the Global vaccine supply bottlenecks, which continue to impact several countries.

Ongoing and Planned Interventions

The Ministry has put in place the following measures to address the current challenges:

1. Polio Vaccine:

   • 3.2 million doses are currently being cleared at the Port for distribution by 10th June 2025.

2. BCG Vaccine:

   • 3.0 million doses are expected at the Port and distribution planned by 15th June 2025.

3. Strategic Vaccine Reserve:

   • The Ministry is establishing Strategic Vaccine reserve in all 47 Counties through a Programme that will be sustainably financed and efficiently operated.

Reassurance to the Public

The Ministry reassures all Kenyans that no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine, thanks to the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism established and operational under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Ny DR OUMA OLGUA, PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, STATE DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAL SERVICES